Fina says the Russian tested positive for the steroid DHEA on October 31 in Los Angeles, where she trains at the University of Southern California. Her suspension remains in effect until the Fina doping panel judges her case.

Efimova set a then-world record of 29.78 seconds in the 50-metre breaststroke at the world championships last August in Barcelona, Spain.

She won world titles in the 50m and 200m breaststroke, and also holds the short-course world records in those events.

Efimova took bronze in the 200m at the 2012 London Olympics.

If a doping offence is proven, she is likely to keep her medals because the positive test came later. – Sapa-AP

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